Overview of fuel efficient and vehicle equipment
Newer cars are equiped with many technologies that make them more energy efficient. Its important to know how these technologies work so that you can use them in the best posible manner. By using the equipment in the correct manner will reduce your fuel consumption and overall cost at the gas station
Fuel PumpEngine Heater
You must use an engine heater when its very cold outside. An engine heater helps to warm up an engine using electricity instead of fuel which reduce carbon emissions. A warmer engine also helps the catalytic converter to warm up quicker.
When to use a catalytic converter and for how long
| Temperature | Minutes |
|---|---|
| -20 °C | 90 min (1.5 hours) before leaving |
| 0 °C | 60 minutes (1 hour) before leaving |
| +10 °C | 20 minutes before leaving |
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter uses chemical processes to turn hazardous chemicals like gasoline and or diesel into carbon dioxide and water. Catalytic converter takes fuel and converts to => CO2 + H2O
| Overview | Benefits |
|---|---|
| 80–95% | Harmful substances are reduced. |
| 400–600°C | Working temperature of catalytic converter. It takes along time for the converter to warm up |
| 1989 | Cars manufactured after this date must have a catalytic converter |
Catalytic converter
1. This component is attached to the exhaust system.
2. Fumes go from the engine through this device
3. The device has many filters that filter out harmful particlesAir resistance
The more surface area a car has the more air it can catch and thus the higher the drag on the vehicle. By lowering the air resistance you reduce the fuel consumption. Simple things you can do
- Remove roof boxes when you dont use them.
- Close your windows when you drive. Vortex are formed which interfere with airflow around the car.
- Pack a trailer in such a way that it does not catch alot of air
- Keep your car surface clean. A smooth surface allow air to smoothly glide through. Try waxing your car aswell
Tyre pressure and rolling resistance
See chapter on tyresA vehicles tyres can be inflated differently. By inflating the tyre 10-15% over the recommended value stated in the vehicle handbook tend to give better wear and tear on the tyres and increases fuel efficency
Aircon VS open windows
An open windo increase drag of a car which increase fuel consumption. An air conditioning (AC) consumes power from the engine that uses fuel aswell. You may save 5-10% on fuel by turning off the air conditioner. A general rule of thumb is to keep the windows down while you are driving in the city (Build up areas), Change to air conditioning when you drive on the highway (Outside build up areas).